When starting a business in Alabama or researching existing companies, the Alabama SOS Business Entity Search—also known as the Alabama business lookup—is your essential first step. The Alabama Secretary of State maintains a public database containing every registered business entity in the state. You can access the official search tool directly through the Business Entity Records page or go straight to the Alabama SOS Business Entity Search portal. This AL Business Search guide will show you exactly how to navigate the system, interpret your results, and take the next steps toward forming or verifying an Alabama business.
For entrepreneurs considering starting a business in Alabama, this search is an essential preliminary step in your journey.
What is the Alabama Secretary of State Business Entity Search?
The Alabama Secretary of State’s Government Records Inquiry System provides public access to information about all business entities registered in the state. This official database allows you to verify if a business name is available, check a company’s registration status, find registered agent information, and access other important details about businesses operating in Alabama.
Whether you’re starting an LLC in Alabama or researching potential business partners, this search tool is an essential resource.
The Official Alabama Business Entity Search Portal
The official business entity search portal in Alabama is operated by the Secretary of State’s Office, currently headed by Secretary Wes Allen. You can access the search tool through the Secretary of State’s website at:
Alabama Secretary of State Business Entity Records
The direct search page link is: https://arc-sos.state.al.us/CGI/CORPNAME.MBR/INPUT
Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an Alabama Business Entity Search
Step 1: Access the Search Portal
- Visit the Alabama Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.alabama.gov
- Navigate to “Government Records” in the top menu
- Click on “Business Entity Records”
- You’ll be directed to the search portal page with multiple search options
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
The Alabama business entity search system offers several different search methods:
- By Entity Name: Search for businesses by their registered name
- By Entity ID Number: Search using the unique 9-digit ID assigned to each entity
- By Officer/Agent/Incorporator: Find entities associated with specific individuals
- By Reservation/Registration ID: Look up entities using their name reservation number
Step 3: Perform a Name-Based Search
For most users, searching by business name is the most common method:
- Click on the “Entity Name” search option
- In the search field labeled “Name:”, enter the business name you want to search
- Optional: Use the “Type” dropdown menu to filter by specific entity types (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- Click the “Continue” button to execute your search
Pro Tip: When searching by name, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- The search is not case-sensitive
- Less is more—try using just a keyword from the business name
- Omit entity designators like “LLC” or “Inc.” for broader results
- Use the wildcard character (%) to replace unknown parts of a name
- The system will find names that contain your search term anywhere in the name
Step 4: Navigate and Interpret Search Results
After submitting your search, you’ll see a list of matching entities. Each result will display:
- Entity ID: A 9-digit number uniquely identifying the business
- Entity Name: The official registered name of the business
- Type: The entity structure (LLC, Corporation, LP, etc.)
- Status: Current registration status (Active, Dissolved, etc.)
- Place of Formation: The county where the business was formed
- Formation Date: When the entity was officially registered
Step 5: View Detailed Entity Information
To see complete information about a specific entity:
- Click on either the Entity ID or Entity Name link in the search results
- The system will open a new page with detailed information including:
- Registered Agent name and address
- Principal Address
- Entity Type
- Formation Date
- Status and reason (if not active)
- Filing History
Understanding Alabama Business Entity Status Labels
When viewing search results, you’ll encounter different status designations. Here’s what they mean:
- Active: The entity is properly registered and authorized to conduct business in Alabama
- Dissolved: The entity has been formally terminated and is no longer in operation
- Merged: The entity has combined with another business and no longer exists independently
- Withdrawn: A foreign (out-of-state) entity that has ceased operations in Alabama
- Expired: Often indicates that required filings or fees were not submitted
- Revoked: The entity’s authority to do business has been revoked by the state
Important: An administratively dissolved entity is prohibited from engaging in any activities other than those necessary to wind up its affairs. Anyone acting on behalf of a dissolved entity may face personal liability for debts or obligations incurred while the business is in dissolved status.
What Information Can You Find in Alabama Business Records?
The Alabama Secretary of State’s database provides access to the following information about registered entities:
- Basic Entity Details: Name, ID number, entity type, and status
- Formation Information: Date of registration and place of formation
- Registered Agent: Name and address of the entity’s registered agent
- Principal Address: The main business address
- Filing History: Records of documents filed with the Secretary of State
- Officer Information: Names of entity officers, members, or managers (when available)
Alabama Business Name Reservation
Unlike most states, Alabama requires business owners to reserve their entity name before filing formation documents. Here’s what you need to know:
- Mandatory Requirement: Name reservation is required before forming an LLC or corporation in Alabama
- Reservation Period: Reserved names are held for one year
- Filing Fee: $28 online or $10 by mail
- Renewal: Can be renewed within 90 days before expiration using a specific renewal form
To reserve a business name:
- Conduct a business entity search to confirm availability
- Complete the “Name Reservation Request Form for Domestic Entities”
- Submit the form online through the Secretary of State’s website or by mail
- Receive your Name Reservation Certificate, which you’ll need for your formation documents
For a complete breakdown of all costs associated with starting your business, check our guide on Alabama LLC costs and fees.
Alabama LLC Formation Filing Fees
If your business entity search confirms your desired name is available and you’re ready to form an LLC, here are the current fees:
- Name Reservation Fee: $28 online ($10 by mail)
- Certificate of Formation Fee: $200 by mail ($208 online due to processing fee)
- Total to Form an LLC Online: $236 ($28 + $208)
- Foreign LLC Registration: $150 by mail ($156 online)
These fees are subject to change, so always check the official Alabama Secretary of State website for the most current information. For a complete breakdown of all costs involved in starting and maintaining an Alabama business, see our guide on Alabama LLC costs.
Next Steps After Your Alabama Business Entity Search
Check Name Availability:
- Reserve the Name: Complete the mandatory name reservation process
- Form Your Business: File a Certificate of Formation (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation)
- Obtain Required Licenses: Research and apply for any necessary business licenses in Alabama
- Register for Taxes: Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue
- Designate a Registered Agent: Appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents for your business
If the Name You Want is Taken:
- Modify Your Name: Add or change words to make it distinguishable
- Check Similar Names: Verify if similar names might cause confusion
- Consider a Trade Name: File for a trade name/DBA (costs $30 in Alabama)
Researching an Existing Business:
- Verify Active Status: Confirm the entity is in good standing
- Review Filing History: Check for recent updates or changes
- Note Registered Agent: Identify who receives legal documents for the entity
- Check for Related Entities: Look for parent companies or subsidiaries
FAQs About Alabama Business Entity Searches
Is the Alabama SOS business search free to use?
Yes. The Alabama Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search is completely free to use. You can look up registered businesses, LLCs, and corporations without paying any fees. Costs only apply when you order certified documents or official certificates.
What do different status labels mean in Alabama?
Alabama uses several status designations for business entities:
- Active means the business is properly registered and in good standing.
- Dissolved indicates the entity has been terminated.
- Expired typically means required filings or renewals were missed.
- Revoked shows the state has revoked the entity’s authority to operate.
- Withdrawn refers to a foreign (out-of-state) entity that has stopped doing business in Alabama.
- Merged indicates the business combined with another and no longer exists independently.
An administratively dissolved entity cannot conduct business in Alabama and may expose owners to personal liability for actions taken during dissolution.
How long does a name reservation last in Alabama?
A business name reservation in Alabama lasts for one full year from the date of approval. Unlike most states that limit reservations to 90–120 days, Alabama allows an extended window. You can renew your reservation within 90 days before expiration if needed.
What are the filing fees for business entities in Alabama?
Current filing fees include:
- Name Reservation: $28 online ($10 by mail)
- LLC Certificate of Formation: $200 by mail ($208 online)
- Corporation Articles of Incorporation: Similar fees apply
- Trade Name (DBA) Registration: $30
Always confirm the latest amounts on the Alabama Secretary of State’s Business Entities page.
Can I reserve or register business names online?
Yes. Alabama offers full online services for both name reservation and business entity registration. Online filings are typically processed faster than mailed ones. To begin reserving a name or registering, use the Name Reservations / Business Entities section on the Alabama SOS site.
What should I do if my desired business name is taken?
If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options:
- Modify the name to make it distinguishable.
- Choose a different name altogether.
- File for a trade name (DBA) for $30.
- Wait to see if the existing entity dissolves, though this is not recommended as a primary strategy.
What can I search by in the Alabama business lookup?
The Alabama SOS database supports several search methods:
- Entity Name: The most common option for name lookups.
- Entity ID Number: A 9-digit number assigned to each business.
- Officer/Agent/Incorporator: Search by individual name to see all related entities.
- Reservation/Registration ID: Check existing or pending name reservations.
You can perform all of these searches via the Alabama Business Entity Search portal.
Can I search for LLCs and corporations the same way?
Yes. The Alabama Secretary of State’s business search system includes LLCs, corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, and foreign entities within one unified database. You can optionally filter by entity type for more targeted results.
How do I perform an “AL business lookup” if I only know the owner or agent?
Use the Officer/Agent/Incorporator search option on the SOS portal.
Enter the individual’s name or keyword to view all businesses associated with that person—helpful for due diligence or verifying registered agents.
Why do I see “revoked,” “expired,” or “withdrawn” next to a business name?
These terms reflect the business’s compliance status:
- Revoked: The business lost authority to operate due to noncompliance.
- Expired: The entity’s filing period lapsed because of missed renewals.
- Withdrawn: A foreign company that ceased operations in Alabama.
- Dissolved: The business has formally closed.
Only entities listed as Active are currently valid and authorized to conduct business.
Can I download or print my Alabama business search results?
Yes. You can easily print or save your results directly from your browser. This is recommended for record-keeping before submitting formation or registration documents.
What should I do after completing an Alabama business entity search?
Once you confirm your desired name is available:
- Reserve the name through the SOS portal.
- File formation documents (Certificate of Formation or Articles of Incorporation).
- Obtain your EIN from the IRS.
- Appoint a Registered Agent with an Alabama address.
- Open a business bank account using your documents and EIN.
You can handle all of these steps quickly through BusinessAnywhere.io.
Can I search the Alabama SOS database for foreign entities?
Yes. The Alabama SOS system lists both domestic and foreign entities registered to do business in Alabama. You can filter by entity type to view only foreign (out-of-state) companies.
How long does it take for a new business to appear in the Alabama database?
Once a business is approved and filed with the Secretary of State, it typically appears in the Business Entity Search results within 24–48 hours. Delays can occur if filings are incomplete or submitted by mail.
Can I search by partial names or keywords?
Yes. The Alabama SOS system allows partial searches. Use a keyword instead of the full name or use the % wildcard symbol to replace unknown words. For example, typing “%Coffee%” will show all businesses containing “Coffee” in their names.
Can I verify a company’s registered agent using the SOS business search?
Yes. Click on the business’s name in your search results to view detailed information, including the registered agent’s name and address, principal office, and formation date.
Tips for a Successful Alabama Business Entity Search
- Try Multiple Search Methods: If you don’t find what you’re looking for by name, try searching by agent or other criteria
- Use Partial Names: Search with just the distinctive part of a business name
- Check Name Availability Early: Conduct your search well before you plan to form your business
- Look for Similar Names: Even if your exact name is available, very similar names could cause confusion
- Save Your Results: Download or print search results for your records
- Verify Status: Always check the current status of any entity you’re researching
If you’re planning to form an LLC in Alabama, conducting a thorough business entity search using these tips can help you avoid potential naming conflicts and ensure a smooth formation process.
Resources for Alabama Business Formation
After completing your business entity search, these resources can help with the next steps:
- Alabama Secretary of State Business Services: Access forms, fee schedules, and filing instructions
- Alabama Department of Revenue: Register for state taxes
- Atlas Alabama: Alabama’s official resource for business development
- Alabama Registered Agent Services: Information on obtaining a registered agent in Alabama
- Alabama LLC Costs and Fees: Detailed breakdown of all Alabama LLC formation expenses
State-by-State Business Entity Search Guides
Looking for business entity search information for other states? Check out our complete library of state-specific guides:
- California Business Entity Search
- Florida Business Entity Search
- Texas Business Entity Search
- New York Business Entity Search
- Delaware Business Entity Search
- Georgia Business Entity Search
- Illinois Business Entity Search
- Nevada Business Entity Search
- Wyoming Business Entity Search
- Ohio Business Entity Search
Conclusion
Conducting a thorough business entity search through the Alabama Secretary of State’s database is an essential first step whether you’re starting a new business or researching existing companies. Alabama’s unique requirements, including mandatory name reservation before formation, make understanding the search process particularly important for entrepreneurs in the state.
By following this guide, you can effectively navigate the Alabama business entity search system, interpret the results, and take the appropriate next steps toward establishing or researching a business in the state.
Remember that business entity information is updated regularly, and the most current data is always available through the official Alabama Secretary of State website.
About BusinessAnywhere: At BusinessAnywhere.io, we simplify the process of starting and running your business across all 50 states. Our comprehensive guides, tools, and resources help entrepreneurs navigate state-specific requirements with confidence.
